The new NYC Ferry is getting some bigger boats. It needs them to carry its unexpected large number of riders — since May 1 NYC Ferry served a total of 2.9 million riders as of Dec. 31, 2017, across the four routes currently in operation.

That’s 34% more than the 2.1 million riders anticipated for 2017 before NYC Ferry took over the existing East River Ferry on May 1, and added three new routes.

“Now we’re looking forward to launching two more routes in 2018, helping even more riders connect to good jobs and opportunities,” says James Patchett, president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corp.

NYC Ferry will also get six new boats in 2018, with bigger engines and with a capacity to hold 349 passengers.